BOISE, Idaho — If you are headed up to the mountains on Idaho 55 this weekend, you might want to take an alternate route.
The Idaho Transportation Department says Highway 55 between Banks and Cascade is in pretty bad shape. Officials say using U.S. 95 as an alternate route is strongly encouraged.
According to ITD, this season's record snowfall has caused this stretch of road to deteriorate, creating destructive potholes.
Maintenance crews are currently filling potholes with a cold patch material, but they say inclement weather is causing some patches to fail and new holes to form.
"Crews are out plowing snow and patching potholes around the clock," said ITD Southwest District Maintenance Manager Michael Garz. "But it's not doing the trick. Rain, snow, and temperature swings are popping out patches, leaving the road in rough shape."
There are warning signs along the road asking drivers to use caution and reduce driving speeds.
ITD plans to repave this stretch of highway in the spring. The work will begin as soon as the weather permits.
